Our history

Over the past 45 years, we've grown and diversified our offerings, with a focus on the people we help within our community. We hope to continue to evolve our services and offer support to those who need it most.

Here is a the journey so far...

20 Jul 1975 - Lifeline Toowoomba opened at Matilda House, 88 Russell Street, Toowoomba (receiving 600 to 700 calls per annum). Rev Geoff Waugh serves as the Interim Director.

Jan 1976 - Rev Robert Holt takes over as the Director of Lifeline Toowoomba.

Apr 1977 - Sister Bernadette Curtin L.C.M. is appointed Director.

Jan 1979 - The Family Support Service (known originally as The Homemaker Service) is first funded.

Feb 1980 - Rev Noel Park begins as Director/Managing Director.

Jul 1980 - The Material Aid Service (now called Emergency Relief) is established.

Aug 1980 - The Counselling Centre is relocated to 161 Hume Street, Toowoomba.

June 1982 - The Dalby and Warwick Sub-Committees are established to help fund the first landline to Toowoomba

May 1983 - Lifeline’s current logo is approved by the National Lifeline Board of Australia.

1984/1985 - The Distribution Centre relocates to 2-6 Hodgson Street.

1987 - Lifeline Farmline is established to help farmers cope with high interest rates.

1988 - Relocation of the Counselling Centre to 127 Russell Street

1991 - The Dalby Office is opened.

Jun 1993 - The Break-Even Program is established.

Jul 1993 - Telstra introduces the National Number 13 11 14.

Dec 1993 - The Counselling Centre relocates to 5 Mill Street.

1995 - Rural Family Counselling Service established.

18 Sep 1996 - The Company is registered.

1997 - Warwick Counselling Rooms and Shop established.

1998 - St George Counselling Rooms and Shop established.

Oct 1998 - The Distribution Centre relocates to 192A Stephen Street.

Jul 1999 - Charleville Office is established.

Nov 1999 - Office at 1 Taylor Street, Toowoomba is established.

May 2000 - Derek Tuffield appointed General Manager.

4 Aug 2001 - Dalby Office (1 Patrick Street) is officially opened.

25 Jun 2003 - The Lifeline Smart Tip Shop is officially opened.

Feb 2004 - Premises at 17 Long Street, Toowoomba are purchased.

2006 - National Roll-Out of Greater Access Program by Lifeline Australia Incorporated-13 11 14.

Apr 2010 - Office opens at 34 Queen St, Roma.

Jun 2010 - Office opens at 24 Stockyard St, Cunnamulla.

30 Aug 2011 - Execution of new Memorandum of Understanding III between UnitingCare Community and Lifeline Darling Downs & South West QLD Ltd.

31 Dec 2012 - Official Opening of relocated Head Office at 33 Russell Street.

21 June 2013 - Official Opening of Renovations to Distribution Centre, 192A Stephen Street, Toowoomba.

26 May 2014 - Opening of New Shop in Warwick.

Oct 2015 - First not-for-profit enterprise to be awarded the Heritage Bank Business Excellence Awards – Business of the Year.

Nov 2015 - Opening of Herries Street Superstore.

5 Feb 2016 - Opening of new Smart Tip Shop, Wellcamp

13 May 2016 - Official Opening of the Flexi School Intergenerational Mentoring Hub, Toowoomba.

Latest

Observing World Suicide Prevention Day

In honour of World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday 10 September, Lifeline Darling Downs encouraged the community to engage with the R U OK? campaign and our Out of the Shadows virtual garden.
New Shop Opening in Highfields

On Saturday 17 October at 9 am, a new Lifeline Darling Downs second-hand store will be opening at the Highfields Central Shopping Centre.
Lifeline Darling Downs Opens New Temporary Bookfest Pop Up Bookshop

On Thursday October 1, 2020 Lifeline Darling Downs Bookfest pop-up bookshop will open it's doors.
Highfields

Shop 4, Highfields Central,10517 New England Highway, Highfields.

Accessibility
Donations welcome during COVID-19 response

During the COVID-19 controls Lifeline Darling Downs continues to receive and process donations from the public.
Lions Club and Bendigo Bank deliver loads of winter items

The Lions Club of Toowoomba West has delivered more than 70 brand new blankets and other winter items for those doing it tough thanks to a grant from Bendigo Bank.
Lifeline Stores Temporarily Close

To safeguard the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and customers, we will temporarily shut down our retail stores from the close of business Saturday 4 April.
Lifeline Darling Downs Phased Re-open of Retail Stores as COVID-19 Restrictions Ease

Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland have announced that from Monday 18 May 2020 they will re-open further retail stores but with reduced trading hours.
Australia’s first LGBTI+ Domestic Violence Awareness Day

Violence in LGBTI+ relationships is similar to that which occurs in heterosexual relationships in that it involves the use of power, coercion and control. However, there are a number of aspects which are unique to domestic violence in LGBTI+ relationships.
Wear It Purple Day

This Friday 28th August is Wear it Purple Day. Wear it Purple Day is about showing LGBTIQ+ young people that they have the right to be proud of who they are.
Lifeline Darling Downs Opens New Temporary Bookfest Pop Up Bookshop

On Thursday October 1, 2020 Lifeline Darling Downs Bookfest pop-up bookshop will open it's doors.
New Shop Opening in Highfields

On Saturday 17 October at 9 am, a new Lifeline Darling Downs second-hand store will be opening at the Highfields Central Shopping Centre.
3 Reasons Why Your Team Should Share the Warmth

The Share the Warmth Appeal is open to everyone and many people have already given generously to those that need help, it's also a great opportunity for businesses and corporate groups to make a difference.